Outemu Ocean vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards have gained immense popularity among gamers and typists alike, and the choice of switches plays a crucial role in enhancing the typing experience. The Outemu Ocean switch, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump upon actuation, allowing users to feel when a key has been pressed without having to press it all the way down. This can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more engaging typing experience or rely on touch typism. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for rapid key presses and gaming scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. The SU’s full PA12 housing and T5 stem contribute to a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, catering to users who appreciate an acoustically pleasing aesthetic without the clicky noise of some other switches. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and engagement or a smooth, swift keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and HMX SU switches showcase a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, which influences their acoustic characteristics significantly. The Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also plays a pivotal role in enhancing RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts looking for visual as well as auditory stimulation. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the Ocean’s brighter timbre. With this variation in properties, the two switches cater to different preferences: users of the Ocean may appreciate a more pronounced sound while those using the SU might favor a more muted auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, it becomes evident that they share a common characteristic. Both the Outemu Ocean and HMX SU switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Since nylon is recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound signature when pressed down. This harmonization in bottom housing material means that while the top housing differences lead to distinct sound profiles during the release of each key, the full-bodied sensation of the bottom-out and the feel during typing will be effectively consistent between the two, resulting in a similar typing experience in that regard.
In conclusion, the combination of the different top housing materials between the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate and HMX SU's nylon creates a pronounced divergence in sound profiles, appealing to different preferences among users. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unified and deep sound quality during the key press itself. Therefore, users can expect a clear distinction when typing and releasing keys across the two switches—while the top housing material dictates the tonal qualities, the bottom housing ties the experiences together, making both switches versatile choices for various typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Ocean switch remains unknown. The Outemu Ocean requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the HMX SU, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means those who prefer a heavier touch for a more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the Ocean switch, while users looking for a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the HMX SU more comfortable. Additionally, the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, so it provides a clear tactile feedback when fully pressed, unlike the Ocean switch, where this information is unavailable. Consequently, if both switches had a defined bottom out force, one could potentially compare their bottom out characteristics more directly, but without that data for the Ocean switch, the comparisons remain centered around their actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Outemu Ocean a better choice for those who appreciate a fuller keypress experience, offering a greater depth that can feel more satisfying to some users. On the other hand, the HMX SU's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation—an appealing trait for gamers seeking rapid response times. The distinction in travel distances highlights a key contrast between the two switches: the Outemu Ocean provides a longer, more traditional feel, suitable for users who prefer a hearty depth, while the HMX SU is ideal for those looking for a quicker, more immediate feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Ocean switch lacks specific acoustic characteristics that are widely recognized, making its sound profile somewhat of an unknown factor. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is particularly noted for its subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, thanks to its PA12 housing and T5 stem configuration. The deeper tonal quality of the SU may contribute to a more satisfying auditory experience during typing, though the overall sound will still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with either switch.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have detailed information available about its tactile feedback, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal user experiences. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is designed for smoothness, providing a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke experience typical of linear switches. Users might find that the feel of the SU is more straightforward and predictable, making it a solid choice for those looking for a streamlined typing experience.
Taken together, while the Outemu Ocean switch may remain less defined in terms of both sound and feel, the HMX SU linear switch presents a clear advantage with its deep sound and smooth operation. Those looking for a definitive experience might lean toward the SU, while the Ocean could appeal to users seeking something less common. Ultimately, the selection between the two will depend on personal preference, intended use, and the specific sound and feel characteristics that appeal to the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you’re looking for a smooth and fluid typing experience that emphasizes a softer sound profile, the HMX SU could be the ideal switch for you. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force, it enables quick, effortless keystrokes which can enhance your typing speed, making it a great option for gamers and typists looking for a responsive feel. On the other hand, if you're drawn to tactile feedback that gives you a slight bump when registering each keypress yet still prefer a switch that is not overly loud, the Outemu Ocean can be a solid choice. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Ocean are less defined, its unique tactile profile may appeal to those who are specifically seeking that tactile response without an overwhelming auditory experience. Ultimately, consider your usage—whether you're leaning towards gaming, typing, or a blend of both—as this will guide your decision between these two distinct switches.
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